
The Political Scene | The New Yorker
Join The New Yorker’s writers and editors for reporting, insight, and analysis of the most pressing political issues of our time. On Mondays, David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker, presents conversations and feature stories about current events. On Wednesdays, the senior editor Tyler Foggatt goes deep on a consequential political story via far-reaching interviews with staff writers and outside experts. And, on Fridays, the staff writers Susan B. Glasser, Jane Mayer, and Evan Osnos discuss the latest developments in Washington and beyond, offering an encompassing understanding of this moment in American politics.
Latest episodes

Jul 3, 2024 • 31min
From “Inside the Hive”: How Steve Bannon’s Prison Sentence Could Help Trump Win
Tina Nguyen and Isaac Arnsdorf discuss how Steve Bannon's prison sentence could boost Trump's support post-January 6th. Bannon's 'War Room' podcast influences the far right, and his legal troubles may strengthen his standing in the MAGA world. They highlight the intertwining of media and politics in the GOP amidst Bannon's extreme rhetoric and potential impact on political polarization.

9 snips
Jul 1, 2024 • 23min
The New Yorker’s Political Writers Answer Your Election Questions
Political writers at The New Yorker dissect the ongoing confusion in US politics post-January 6th. They analyze Trump's appeal, far-right ideology, challenges in interviewing him, and the evolution of the MAGA movement. Exploring electoral certification challenges and the need for a peaceful transfer of power, they provide valuable insights into the current political landscape.

11 snips
Jun 29, 2024 • 34min
What Does Biden’s Disastrous Debate Mean for Democrats?
Political journalists Susan B. Glasser, Jane Mayer, and Evan Osnos discuss Biden's debate flubs, Trump's lies, and the future of the Democratic Party. They examine Biden's debate performance, potential campaign repercussions, and calls for him to withdraw. The conversation delves into Democratic Party blame, decision-making, and the impact on future elections.

Jun 26, 2024 • 41min
What You Need to Know About 2024’s Most Significant Supreme Court Decisions
Amy Davidson Sorkin from The New Yorker discusses the Supreme Court's impact on the 2024 election, focusing on gun and abortion cases. They analyze the Court's attempt to moderate radical rulings and its selection process for cases. The podcast explores the implications of these decisions and the politicization of the Court.

Jun 24, 2024 • 32min
Kevin Costner on “Yellowstone,” “Horizon,” and Why the Western Endures
Kevin Costner, known for his roles in Western movies, discusses his career and upcoming project 'Horizon' exploring Native American history. He shares insights on independent filmmaking, the enduring appeal of Westerns, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling.

Jun 21, 2024 • 33min
What to Expect from the Biden-Trump Debate, with the Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin
Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin joins a discussion on the historical significance of presidential debates, focusing on the upcoming Biden-Trump rematch and insights from the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon debate. The episode explores the impact of debates on voter perception, leadership qualities, and public discourse, drawing parallels between past and present influences of television and social media on politics.

Jun 19, 2024 • 32min
Could the 2024 Election Be Decided by Memes?
Clare Malone, staff writer at The New Yorker, discusses how memes on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are shaping the narrative around Joe Biden and Donald Trump. She explores the impact of edited videos, the shift in news consumption habits to platforms like TikTok, and the resurgence of old content in the 2024 election. Malone also analyzes the influence of humor in political memes, the rise of right-wing voices on social media, and the use of algorithms in political campaigning.

Jun 17, 2024 • 36min
Is Being a Politician the Worst Job in the World?
The podcast discusses the upcoming UK elections and the struggles of politicians, highlighting the disillusionment with mainstream parties. It delves into the impact of Brexit on the Conservative Party and the challenges of maintaining political integrity. The chapter also explores the personal sacrifices and conflicts faced by politicians, hinting at an upcoming discussion on movies with comedian Paul Scheer.

Jun 15, 2024 • 37min
Hunter Biden’s Conviction and Trump’s Risk to the Justice Department in 2024
Susan B. Glasser, Jane Mayer, and Evan Osnos discuss Hunter Biden's criminal conviction and its impact on the Biden family, the weaponization of the Justice Department by Trump supporters for the 2024 election, and the potential threats to justice department integrity. They analyze the complexities of the justice system, political implications, and the manipulation of legal cases for personal agendas.

Jun 13, 2024 • 38min
Biden’s Executive Order on Immigration and the Politically “Toxic” Puzzle of the Border
New Yorker writers Stephania Taladrid and Jonathan Blitzer discuss Biden's tough executive order on immigration, strained US-Mexico relations, potential negotiations between Trump and Mexico's President-elect, and extreme Project 2025 proposals involving Mexico.